PILIBHIT, Dec 28 — Nine men from Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit district who were stranded in Kyrgyzstan for nearly three months after falling victim to an overseas job scam returned home on Saturday, officials said.
District Magistrate Gyanendra Singh said efforts were underway to bring back the remaining three workers, whose visas remain valid until Dec. 31.
“The process for their return is almost complete. They will be brought back before the end of the year,” Singh told reporters.
The men were among 12 residents of Pilibhit who were allegedly cheated by the owner of a local recruiting agency that promised jobs abroad. Officials said each of them paid about Rs 2.5 lakh for travel and employment that never materialized.
The workers belong to areas under Barkhera, Puranpur, Diyoria and Gajraula police stations.
After reaching Kyrgyzstan on 59-day visas issued with fraudulent contracts, the men did not receive the jobs they were promised. Instead, they were allegedly confined, forced to work without consent and denied wages.
“They were beaten and not paid,” a police official said, citing videos the workers uploaded on social media pleading for help from the Indian government.
The case came to light on Dec. 5 after a video posted by Rohit, one of the stranded workers, went viral. His wife, Premvati, and relatives of other victims then approached authorities seeking intervention.
Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav said the investigation has been assigned to the Circle Officer (City).
“We are probing the role of the recruiting agent and verifying all financial transactions,” Yadav said.
Union Minister and Pilibhit MP Jitin Prasada earlier met the families in Delhi and coordinated with the Indian Embassy to secure the workers’ release and return.
Singh urged residents to remain cautious. “People must verify recruiting agencies and job offers thoroughly before sending money,” he said.
